“Shall I compare thee to a something something… mummers play?” And so begins one of Shakespeare’s most famous sonnets, and this charming story of love, inspiration, muses, and art, based on the Oscar-winning film. This smart and poignant tale offers a smattering of allusions that will delight anyone familiar with the Bard—or simply the English language. This story is as crowd-pleasing as mistaken identities, a shipwreck, and love triumphant, and is set in a time when a Londoner could still utter the words: “Shakespeare? Never heard of him.” A great play for the entire family.

“A big-hearted hit.” –Variety

Content Advisory: A bawdy tale of love contains some mature themes and sexual situations making this more suitable for audiences from middle school and beyond.

Approximate runtime is 2 hours and 25 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.

"This production of Shakespeare in Love will surely please just about any theatergoer. It would be a perfect date-night excursion for those looking to up their romantic game."— DC Metro Theater Arts

"Simply astounding"— CultureSeen4U

"The moveable wooden set is a masterpiece."— Baltimore Style

"Delights with its passion, puns, and Shakespearean allusions that even casual devotees of his sonnets and plays will relish."— DC Theatre Scene

"The players chomp into the material with zest and poetic verve. They are beautifully outfitted in Kathleen Geldard’s costumes and underscored by Matthew M. Nielson’s cinema-ready soundtrack."— Washington Post

"The comedic timing is perfect, the swordplay looks dangerous, and the dog is well-behaved….For all its national popularity, Shakespeare in Love will only appear locally at Center Stage for the time being, you'll have to see it there—and why go anywhere else, anyway?"— Broadway World

"A sumptuous production that is not only visually magnificent, but is hysterically funny."— CultureSeen4U